Mahoning Youngstown Community Action Partnership has helped to house residents displaced by a May 28 explosion in downtown Youngstown.
After an explosion in the basement of the Realty Towers killed an employee of the bank on site, neighboring International Towers needed to be evacuated. Some residents found alternatives on their own but by the end of June, MYCAP was supporting 55 people.
“When I arrived at International Towers, I thought there was no way we were going to be able to help these people,” said Youngstown Health Commissioner and MYCAP Board Member Erin Bishop. “Behind the scenes, Sheila Triplett worked her magic. I wish everyone could have seen the looks on everyone’s faces when they finally knew they would have a place to stay.”
Triplett, CEO of MYCAP, contacted the Office of Community Assistance at the Ohio Department of Development for emergency funding for housing, food, transportation and other necessities.
“I’m so proud of the way these organizations came together as a cohesive team to do what was necessary to help these residents and continue to be there to ensure their health and safety,” Triplett said.
Work is underway to demolish the Realty building so International Towers residents can return to their homes. Meanwhile, MYCAP and several other organizations, including the local United Way, continue to provide support.
International Towers is an income-based building for those 62 or older or with disabilities. Many of the residents are underserved and very poor, Bishop said.
“To witness how quickly Sheila and her team worked together to secure the funds to ensure that our most vulnerable residents had a place to live was great,” Bishop added. “I am beyond proud to be a board member of MYCAP.”
